After the death of a loved one, even tight-knit families can fall into conflict, even when there isn’t a significant inheritance at stake. Without a written will, your loved ones may begin fighting over sentimental items, family heirlooms, and valuable assets. If you plan to leave behind a sizeable inheritance, the situation can grow even more extreme, which is why writing a will is so important. With a well-crafted will, you can help prevent any conflicts.
3 Tips for Preventing Conflicts in Your Will
1. Be Open & Communicative
Openly discussing your family’s inheritances may seem like an awkward topic, but allowing your family to develop realistic expectations can help avoid the disappointment that can spark intense fighting. Otherwise, they may find themselves depending on an inheritance to pay for a house, start a college fund, or save for retirement.
2. Update Your Documents
After a divorce, marriage, or the birth of a child, make sure your will is updated. If you pass away before changing your documents, you could accidentally exclude someone or leave a portion of your estate to someone you no longer have a relationship with.
3. Include Your Personal Belongings
When writing a will, many people focus too much on their financial assets, ignoring the personal belongings that could be even more important to their family members. Create a list of your most valuable items and detail exactly who should receive them. An attorney will help you clearly express your wishes to avoid any uncertainty that could provide grounds for a conflict later.
Whether you’re preparing your estate plan or updating your will, Steve Butcher Sr., Esq. in Rochester can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. For a free initial consultation and to learn more about their services, call their offices at (585) 263-2444 or visit them online today, and follow them on Twitter for more tips and advice.
